April 16 (Bloomberg) — Industrial production rose more than forecast in March after a February gain that was twice as big as previously estimated, indicating U.S. factories recovered after a weather-depressed start to the year.

Output at factories, mines and utilities climbed 0.7 percent after a revised 1.2 percent increase the prior month, figures from the Federal Reserve showed today in Washington. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for a 0.5 percent rise. Manufacturing, which makes up 75 percent of total production, grew 0.5 percent after surging 1.4 percent.

The figures follow recent data showing stronger retail sales and increasing employment that indicate the economy was gaining momentum as temperatures warmed. A pickup in corporate investment and further improvement in overseas markets would complement demand for motor vehicles and provide an additional boost for U.S. producers.

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